Instructions for Authors of Journal Reviews

Here are some basic guidelines of items to cover in a journal review. Not
all of them are always applicable and other components can also be
included.

In general, reviews are to be descriptive and evaluative, designed to
make readers aware of new journals or journal services, for use as a
selection tool. It is appropriate to be as open as possible about the
evaluation -- both positive and negative comments are welcome.

Layout of Review:

Title of Journal or Service
Publishers name and address
Body of Review
Name of reviewer, position, organization, e-mail address.

Purpose of the publication -- its intended audience, history, and its
general scope and subject area.

Organization of the journal or service -- include information about
its different sections such as research articles, fast communications,
supplements, etc. Special features should be mentioned, for example,
formats - paper, electronics-. If it is electronic, a description of
special features related to this medium should be included.

Comparison to other publications -- its difference or similarity to
other journals in the same subject field.

Authority of publication -- it might include information about
editors, referees, publisher and sponsoring institutions as well as
authors and readers.

Length of review, -- no specific limits but probably within the range
of 350-500 words would be ideal. Feel free to use examples from the text
to support your evaluation.

The review editor will consult on any changes necessary before submitting
it to ISTL for final publication. Reviews should be sent
by fax, e-mail, or hard copy (preference is for either ASCII text or as
an attached e-mail file) to: